A woman who endured 25 years as a “house slave” shared a poignant message following the harrowing abuse she suffered. Amanda Wixon, aged 56, subjected the woman to a quarter-century of mistreatment at her unkempt residence in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. The victim, now in her mid-40s, moved into Wixon’s home at the age of 16 in 1995 and remained there until 2021. Court proceedings revealed that the victim, who now calls Wixon The Witch, was routinely physically assaulted, including being struck with a broom handle resulting in tooth loss.
During the sentencing at Gloucester Crown Court, a heartfelt letter from the survivor, who had been imprisoned for decades, was read out. In the letter, she expressed enduring fear, control, and abuse throughout the 25 years, emphasizing the lasting trauma and nightmares she continues to experience daily. She highlighted finding solace with a caring family who have been instrumental in her journey to rebuild her shattered life and regain a sense of security. While acknowledging that the lost years can never be regained, she urged the court to acknowledge the profound and enduring harm caused by the abuse and deliver a fitting sentence.
Details emerged in court regarding the appalling conditions the victim endured at the hands of the mother of ten. These included force-feeding her washing-up liquid, splashing bleach on her face, and severely restricting her food intake. The victim was compelled to survive on meager scraps, confined indoors, and had to wash discreetly at night. The family’s living conditions in the Priors Park area of Tewkesbury were deplorable, with mold-covered walls and a cluttered yard.
Wixon was convicted by a jury on charges of false imprisonment, compelling forced labor, and multiple counts of physical assault, though she was acquitted of one assault charge. Police intervened in March 2021 following a report from Wixon’s son, describing the victim’s living space as akin to a “prison cell” and other rooms in disarray. Witnesses attested to the victim’s emaciated appearance, likening her to a survivor of a concentration camp, while another recounted seeing her being physically abused with a broom.
Court revelations indicated that social services had engagement with the family in the late 1990s, with no documented interactions since. It was also disclosed that Wixon had illicitly claimed the victim’s state benefits for many years, amassing over £100,000. Despite her denials and attempts to shift blame onto her estranged son, Wixon was admonished by the judge for her persistent denial of the impact of her actions on the victim.